Jewish Day Schools
Explore The Power of a Jewish Education
Samis’ support for Jewish day schools in the Seattle area is rooted in the founding vision of Sam Israel, who believed that every Jewish child should have access to an excellent Jewish education.
Today, we have the data to confirm what Sam understood intuitively: Jewish day schools are the single most powerful driver of long-term Jewish continuity.
- 81% of Jewish day school alumni say their Jewish identity is very important (vs. 35% of non-alumni)*
- 77% feel connected to Israel (vs. 38% of their non-day school peers)*
- Day school alumni are twice as likely to engage in Jewish life when they go to college*
These outcomes demonstrate the transformative power of day school education—and underscore the urgent need to make it affordable for all families. That’s why Samis launched the Day School Affordability initiative in 2022: to lower financial barriers and ensure more families can choose day school.
*Source: “Jewish Day School Alumni on Campus: A Comparative Analysis of Engagement and Identity.” Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, January 2025
Jewish Day School Could Be
More Affordable Than You Think
Samis Foundation grants help make Jewish day school possible for more families who don’t qualify for traditional scholarships. Use our quick, anonymous calculator to see if you’re eligible.
Jewish Education That Grows With Your Child
Jewish Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and High Schools
Early Childhood

Elementary schools

Middle Schools

High School

Jewish Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and High Schools
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Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle
Early Childhood–8th Grade, Pluralistic, Bellevue
Established in 1980, JDS is an early childhood through 8th grade independent Jewish day school where students are known, challenged and encouraged to be curious. Our inquiry-based approach develops critical thinking, problem solving, confidence, collaboration and leadership, while strong academics and Judaic studies give students the knowledge and skills to succeed and a strong sense of who they are.
Students learn in a warm, close-knit community that draws Jewish families from across the greater Seattle area. They are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, take intellectual risks and put their learning into action — building a foundation for lifelong learning, Jewish identity and engagement with the world around them.
JDS is currently operating on a temporary campus in Bellevue while a brand-new permanent campus is being built on Mercer Island. The new school, located on the Herzl-Ner Tamid campus across from the Stroum Jewish Community Center, is scheduled to open in Fall 2027. Extended care and bus service are available.
At JDS, curiosity leads to discovery.

MMSC Day School
Early Childhood–8th Grade, Orthodox, Central District, Seattle
MMSC Day School provides a traditional Orthodox education to students from across the Pacific Northwest. Named for the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem M. Schneerson, and established in 1974, MMSC offers a Jewish Montessori option for parents of young children seeking a traditional education combined with Montessori principles. Students learn at their own pace using Montessori materials and are taught the weekly parsha (Torah portion), the chagim (holidays), math, geography, botany, English, and Hebrew. Grade school students learn general studies including math, English, social studies, reading, and science, along with the weekly parsha, halacha (Jewish laws), and the chagim. MMSC’s passionate and dedicated teachers work to foster curiosity in every Jewish child.

Seattle Hebrew Academy
Early Childhood–8th Grade, Modern Orthodox, Capitol Hill, Seattle
Since 1947, Seattle Hebrew Academy has provided students with a warm, nurturing environment where they are known, challenged and supported as they grow academically, socially and spiritually. Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, SHA is a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school serving families from across the greater Seattle community.
SHA combines strong general and Judaic studies with hands-on, project-based learning that encourages students to ask questions, think critically and take an active role in their education. Students build skills and knowledge across literacy, math, science, history and technology while deepening their connection to Jewish learning, Hebrew language, traditions and community.
Learning extends well beyond the classroom, culminating in eighth grade with an annual class trip to Israel that gives students the opportunity to experience the land, people and history they have studied throughout their years at SHA.
At SHA, students develop the academic foundation, Jewish knowledge, confidence and sense of responsibility to take their place in the wider world.

Seattle Jewish Community School
K–5th Grade, Pluralistic, Green Lake, Seattle
Seattle Jewish Community School (SJCS) is a joyful, inclusive Jewish learning community where every child is known, supported, and empowered to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Families become part of a warm, connected community that celebrates diverse Jewish identities and inspires children to love school which fuels their curiosity, joy in learning, and meaningful friendships. Located in Seattle’s Green Lake neighborhood, SJCS offers an inclusive K–5 education. Founded in 1991, the school embraces families with a wide range of Jewish beliefs and practices.
High School

Northwest Yeshiva High School
Modern Orthodox, Mercer Island
Established in 1974, Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS) is a coeducational Modern Orthodox high school on Mercer Island where students are known, challenged and encouraged to grow as scholars, Jews and young adults. In a close-knit community, students benefit from strong relationships with teachers and peers while pursuing a rigorous dual curriculum in general and Jewish studies.
NYHS students are active participants in their education. Experiential and seminar-style learning encourages them to ask questions, think critically, engage with complex ideas and develop their own voices. Alongside strong academics, students deepen their knowledge of Jewish tradition, strengthen their connection to Israel and develop a sense of responsibility to their community and the wider world.
The NYHS experience extends beyond the classroom. Seniors have the opportunity to participate in March of the Living, traveling to Poland and Israel before graduation. With rigorous coursework, SAT preparation and individualized support, students are prepared for a wide range of colleges and universities and for continued Jewish learning at yeshivot and midrashot in Israel.
NYHS graduates leave with the academic skills to succeed, the confidence to take their next steps, and a strong Jewish foundation to carry with them wherever they go.
No matter where you choose to send your children, there is an intrinsic value to Jewish day school, where they will learn how to be productive members of society and spiritually connected Jews.
The Foundation supports tuition assistance at five of Seattle's Jewish day schools.Financial aid is administered by each individual school.

